Gibson is one of the most respected, most established American musical instrument companies. Their innovations in electric guitars especially have charted the definition of American music and indeed American culture. Since its inception in the late 19th century, quality instruments have been their hallmark, from the first carved top guitars, through Lloyd Lorr's magnificent mandolins of the early 20th century, on up through their impeccable electric and acoustic guitars of today. Tireless innovation and uncompromising quality have been the chief defining characteristics of Gibson's culture from the beginning, and they remain so today. The Les Paul, the SG and the Fling V are guitar designs that have shaped the course of amplified music. Gibson's most notable acoustic guitars, the J-45, J-200, Hummingbird, Dove and others have likewise shaped country, folk and bluegrass.